Local veteran honored on anniversary of Marine Corps

PARIS - Lamar County residents have dedicated a section of Highway 271 north of Paris to Marine Sergeant Jay Michael Hoskins, a local citizen who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009.

Thursday’s ceremony came on the 236th anniversary of the Marine Corps. His wife, Chandler, tells KXII-TV, "I think it's pretty awesome that this town has come together, and that this state has come together. I know he would have been honored."

Hoskins, along with two other Marines, were killed by a roadside bomb attack while supporting combat operations. He was 24 years old.

State Senator Kevin Eltife introduced the bill to rename the highway. The sign to commemorate the section of roadway was funded through private donations.